Traveling Spain - Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Costa del Sol, traveling in Andalusia Map of Spain Traveling in Andalusia Andalusia is the most southern autonomous community in continental Spain. Famous for its historic attractions and beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the region also offers a unique rural landscape capable of inspiring the curious traveler. The region has a rich history full of wonderful sites to visit. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians were the first civilizations to occupy the region. Following them, the Romans left their mark, as can be seen from the ruins of Baelo Claudia, just 9 miles north of Tarifa. The Muslims left an even stronger mark in Andalusia, after ruling the region for nearly five centuries. Moorish architecture is a real treasure of Spanish history. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is a must-see for those traveling through southern Spain. The Alcázar in Seville is another great place to visit. SEVILLE Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is the fourth largest city in Spain. It is a great place to just wander through the small streets and taste excellent tapas. Tablaos, although slightly expensive, are great spots for those looking for some flamenco entertainment.

El Arenal and El Patio Sevillano are two of the best-known locations for an enjoyable night. Some of the best sites to visit are La Catedral de Santa María de la Sede with its beautiful bell tower, El Alcázar, and La Torre del Oro. There are a few museums as well, including the Museum of Flamenco Dance and the Museum of "Bellas Artes de Sevilla" which displays 17th century masterpieces, Flemish paintings, and an extensive collection of medieval art. For backpackers or budget-conscious travelers, Seville has a considerable number of hostels. For a list of local hostels, you can log on to hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com. COSTA DEL SOL The Costa del Sol extends through several southern coastal towns along the Mediterranean Sea. It starts in La Línea de la Concepción (also referred to as La Línea) in the province of Cádiz and ends in the town of Nerja (province of Málaga). 116 miles of sandy beaches and warm sun make for a vacation of full relaxation.

The most popular beaches are in Torremolinos, a tourist resort town, and in Marbella, commonly referred to as a playground for the rich and famous. TAPAS Tapas are one of the main edible attractions for tourists traveling in Spain and can be found everywhere you go. Restaurants and bars in cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer them in their menus because of the demand from tourists. In fact, Tapas are an original Andalusian snack. It is traditional in southern Spain to stop at bars and cafes after work to relax before going home. A cool beer or a nice glass of wine accompanied by some tapas is just perfect to hold over the local residents until dinnertime. The Spanish don't normally dine until 9:00 pm or later. Tapas can be just one snack or a combination of many appetizers. Olives, cheese, fried croquettes, fish, cured ham, and fried squid are just a few of the diverse selections that restaurants serve. GIBRALTAR Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar at the southern end of Andalusia is the 2.6-square-mile peninsula topped with a giant rock, known as Gibraltar.

Although it is not a part of Spain, those traveling in Andalusia will still find it an interesting, exotic place to visit. Gibraltar is a self-governing British territory. From the rock, visitors can see the North African coast of Morocco on the opposite side of the strait. Town and Cities in Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain La Cala de Mijas is well connected to nearby towns and cities, - just 10 minutes from Fuengirola and Marbella, and 20 minutes from Malaga and it international airport. Public transportation is available from the airport to within 3 minutes walking distance from the apartment. back to top Malaga is a city and a municipality in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 568,305, it is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. Malaga lies on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km (62.14 mi) east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km (80.78 mi) north of Africa. Málaga enjoys a subtropical climate.

Here are some of the warmest winters in Europe, with average temperatures of 17 °C (62.6 °F) during the day and 7–8 °C (45–46 °F) at night in the period from December to February. The summer season lasts about 8 months, from April to November, although temperatures sometimes reach around 20 °C (68.0 °F) in the other 4 months. The internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas were born here. back to top Marbella. A spray tan is a must if you want to blend in with the local’s in this jet set haven in the Costa del Sol. Marbella has a stunning beach area, esplanade, famous designer shops, trendy bars, restaurants and some of the finest tapas bars in Andalucia. The old town Marbella has a maze of small boutiques, shops and cafes around “The Orange Square”, named after the profusion of orange blossom trees. Don’t forget your credit card if you’re feeling extravagant.

back to top Fuengirola, in ancient times known as Suel and then Suhayl, is a large town and municipality on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. Fuengirola is a major tourist resort, with more than 8 km of beaches, and home to a medieval Moorish fortress. The area enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with annual average temperatures of 18°C and average summer temperatures of over 30°C back to top Comares will be one of the first towns we would like to recommend visiting (this is signposted as you travel north) this stunning hilltop town with winding narrow streets, whitewashed walls and barred windows with sills in front displaying a mass of plant pots filled with an abundance of geraniums cannot be missed. Comares has the most breath taking panoramic views, make sure you have your camera to hand as there are plentiful photo opportunities to enjoy around every corner. The views are, quite literally, incredible.

From the south, rolling hills of olive and almond trees reach to the sea while, to the north, dramatic mountains ascend in the distance, like an enthralling lunar landscape which shifts and changes according to the light. The village remains typically Moorish in its layout and design with narrow cobbled streets, interspersed with arches (two of which are thought to date back to medieval time), flanked with simple whitewashed houses. The Parish church is from the 16th century, with a beautiful coffered/stucco/moulded ceiling. There are also two plazas, two bars, two supermarkets, a post office and a bank. This is, without doubt, one of the prettiest villages in the province of Andalucía and should be on your “must visit List” in the area. back to top Competa is located seven hundred metres above sea level with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, countryside and Mediterranean, Competa is best known to many for its locally produced wine, available both dry and sweet, as well as being very palatable, plentiful and in-expensive.

One of the most popular annual fiestas here is the Noche del Vino (Night of the Wine) on the 15th August which features a programme of flamenco and sevillana music and dance, plus plenty of free-flowing vino and fireworks that will have you spellbound in awe. Apparently, the locals prefer the sweeter wines, while the foreign residents and tourists like the dry. I suggest you try a few bottles of each one to see which wine is your preference, we preferred the dry but each to their own. This area is very popular with Scandinavians, many of who have renovated old farmhouses and fincas in the vicinity. It is a charming flower bedecked old town with its main centre, the Plaza Almijara, dominated by a magnificent sixteenth century church. This bustling square is one of the best places to enjoy a break with a choice of several bars and restaurants. We can highly recommend the bar/restaurant La Casona in the Plaza Almijara, The tapas are truly outstanding as was the ambience, the friendly staff make you feel extremely welcome and treat you as one of the locals.

Don’t be at all surprised to see the local farmers arrive on horseback for a few cerveza’s in the evening, apart from this novel site the restaurant is also great value for money. Competa is fascinating to explore with its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that date back to Moorish times and spectacular views. The town is located less than an hour from Málaga airport on the Motril bypass, so ideal for a day trip and well worth a visit. back to top Nerja boasts 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water. All major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing, surrounded by a dramatic mountain range. The town has, fortunately, managed to avoid being blighted by the concrete high-rise scenario which has been the inevitable result of the tourist boom in some of the coastal resorts. The old quarter of the town is still virtually unchanged with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses with painted terraces abundant with cascading geraniums and if you listen carefully you can sometimes hear the melodic singing canaries.

However, the heart of Nerja is its spectacular Balcón de Europa, the "Balcony of Europe", a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below, against an awesome backdrop of hazy Blue Mountains. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, and the visitor can hire a horse-drawn carriage to explore the most romantic corner of the town. Nerja's most spectacular attraction is undoubtedly its fascinating caves, located just three kilometres from the centre of town. They include archaeological treasures such as paintings over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains. One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall, where many performances are staged during the summer. Nerja cuisine includes several specialities including De La Doncella (red mullet) and pescaito frito (fried fish) and ranging from top international cuisine to the ubiquitous sausage, eggs and chips!

One of our Favourites is the Spanish restaurant La Taverna not too far from the Balcon de Europa, the food is traditional Spanish fare being a family run restaurant, we have had many a good meal here and look forward to many more. Nerja is 50 km from Malaga. It is connected to the western end of the Costa del Sol by a dual carriage motorway. The journey from La Cala De Mijas takes about 45 minutes. back to top Sabinillas, a traditional Spanish fishing town with seafront promenade, lined with restaurants, tapas bars, and bars. Traditionally a fishing village, Sabinillas has grown into a town, but retained its village character. There is a friendly, very Spanish feel about Sabinillas which we particularly like. When you are sitting amongst the locals in the tapas bars eating the montaditos (little sandwiches), sipping the local rioja, you will feel like one of the locals. Sabinillas beach is a long expanse of well maintained sands and the play areas along it are great for families.

A few beachfront restaurants have loungers on the beach and will serve you as you refreshingly cool sangria, whilst you soak up the sun’s rays. Be careful though, as some of the bar’s Sangrias pack a mighty punch. For the children there is an excellent park. Sabinillas is definitely worth visiting, as it has something for everyone. Puerto De La Duquesa is beautifully centred around a marina, lined with bars and restaurants. It is truly a cosmopolitan place to stop and watch the world go by. Located to the west of Marbella, the area has managed to retain some of the natural scenery and local character. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something for their taste buds, with the vast choice of eating and drinking options including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and authentic Spanish to name just a few. Relax and soak up the sun on the beaches on either side of the Marina, and don't forget to sample the local tapas at the beach bars. This quaint marina is a haven for boating enthusiast, or those just wishing to relax in one of the many bars, or explore the upper and lower decks.

Take a boat trip, a fishing trip, or water sports from the marina. Estepona. With the Sierra Bermeja Mountains as a backdrop, Estepona is an attractive town, spreading from the sea, up the hill towards the ruins of the Castillo de San Luis. Its narrow cobbled streets wind steeply from the port. Whitewashed houses, their balconies cascading with pots of blooming geraniums, line the alleyways and squares. The authentic flavor of Estepona is achieved in part by its popularity with Spanish visitors, and the number of traditional tapas bars and restaurants is a reflection of this. There are 23 kilometers of beach in the Estepona area, most of which are of fairly course sand. A modern promenade, with palm trees and flower beds, borders the long stretching sandy beach. The palms trees give shade to the many cafes and bars on the promenade, but also to the children’s adventure playground. For the golfers there is an excellent choice of eight courses in the area. Remember to take your handicap certificate with you as this is required at most courses.

There is a vast array of excellent fish restaurants in Estepona, especially in the old town, where you must try the local sardine specialty, esparto de sardines, absolutely delicious and plentiful. The Plaza de la Flores has charming pavement cafes and traditional tapas bars where you can sit and people-watch, whilst taking in the beauty of the square. Local wines will suit even the wine connoisseurs amongst us, and are agreeable and inexpensive. back to top Casares has to be one of the most picturesque and photographed white villages in the region with something for everyone. From its coastal borders, situated between Estepona and Manilva, the Casares coast offers peaceful beaches and spectacular scenery. The beautiful village is perched high on a hilltop, its whitewashed houses cascade down beneath the remains of a splendid Moorish castle. This is the real Spain; a working village with rich cultural heritage, unspoilt by tourism but central enough to provide an excellent base from which to explore. The village is surrounded by the stunning Natural Parks of the Sierra Bermeja and Sierra Crestellina, with impressive views around every corner.

The rugged mountains and undulating hills provide natural challenges for hikers, birdwatchers and horse riders. The landscape opens up to panoramic views of Gibraltar to the south, across the Rio Genal valley and the neighbouring white villages of Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera, both of which boast a unique atmosphere of their own. back to top Sotogrande. Put on your best bib and tucker and join the jet set in the largest privately owned resort in Andalucia, built up since 1962. Centred around a marina with restaurants, bars and shops, and beaches. Sotogrande is famous for golf and polo fields. Sotogrande is definitely “the place to see and be seen”. Gaze at the million pound yachts and the odd Ferrari and Lamborghini parked in the harbour front. Have a coffee or a meal at one of the harbour front restaurants or cafes, and dream of which yacht you could buy when you win the lottery. back to top Puerto Banus, is one of the swankiest resorts to visit, home to the rich and famous on the Costa del Sol.

The most famous marina in the Europe, surrounded by designer shops, boutiques and bars, Puerto Banus is a very popular place to go on the Costa del Sol. Enjoy a stroll next to the luxury yachts and boats, and watch the tanned local’s with their perfectly pampered pooches strut their stuff on the promenade. back to top Ronda. A trip to the region is not complete without a visit to Ronda. If you enjoy driving, you will love the meandering scenic road through the mountain range to Ronda. If you prefer, you can catch a train from Algeciras to Ronda and relax as you view the stunning scenery of the Costa del Sol. Ronda is a picturesque old town that straddles a breathtaking gorge. Perched high on a rock precipice 150 metres above the gorge, the town sits on both sides of the chasm, with the old Moorish town La Ciudad (literally 'The City') to the South and the newer El Mercadillo ('Little Market') district to the North. Three bridges span the ravine, with the most impressive being the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) which was built in the 18th Century.

This is where most of the tourists can be found and where the most spectacular photos can be taken. There are several quaint cafés and restaurants around the area, enabling visitors to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Some of the narrow side streets present the opportunity to take photos looking back up at the bridge and capture the overwhelming gorge and the bridge back to top Gibraltar is a little piece of Britain, without the high costs, as it has duty free shopping when you cross the Spanish border. A trip to Gibraltar is not complete without a visit to the Rock of Gibraltar , St Michaels cave and to see the famous Barbary apes in the wild. Keep a tight grip on your bags and anything removable as the apes are notorious for stealing your goods. There is also a new marina well work a visit. Don’t make the same mistake we did on our first visit and remember your passports. back to top Morocco, North Africa. If you have time and want to try something a little different why not catch a ferry to Tangiers in Morocco. High speed ferries cross regularly everyday, just 20 minutes for the 9km journey.

See Tangiers, buy a fez at the souk market and wander through the narrow streets, try some lamb and apricot Moroccan stew from a tagine, followed by a refreshing green tea with mint, and enjoy a very different culture to Spain. back to top There are plenty more attractions in the area slightly further afield, for day trips. Such as Seville , Cadiz and Granada . Andalusia – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Understand[ edit ] Patio de Los Leones in the Alhambra. Andalusia is a region steeped in Moorish architecture and the Alhambra in Granada is widely regarded as the pinaccle of Moorish architecture. Andalusia has a rich Moorish heritage, including many fantastic examples of Moorish architecture which were built during the eight centuries when Andalusia was the centre of the Arab population in the Iberian peninsular. The Moorish rule effectively ended in 1492AD when the Christians recaptured Granada . Nowaday, the region is a very popular tourist destination with a lot of British and German package holidayers coming to stay in the concrete resorts on the Costa del Sol.

But if you stay away from the concrete resorts you will find lots of culture, amazing scenery and great food. Talk[ edit ] Like most of the rest of Spain, Andalusia's main language is Spanish , but with a local dialect. The local dialect is somewhat similar to the Spanish spoken in parts of Latin America such as Cuba and Colombia . By plane[ edit ] Malaga has the third biggest international airport in Spain, which a lot of discount airlines fly to. From Malaga, the A-7 E-15 motorway runs westwards along the coast to Gibraltar and eastwards to Almeria and beyond. To head north from Malaga, the A-45 motorway runs to Cordoba . There are also airports in Sevilla , Jerez de la Frontera , Granada and Almeria By train[ edit ] Spain's railway network is not as developed as those of many other European countries, but Algeciras , Almeria , Cadiz , Granada , Huelva , Jaén , Malaga , Cordoba and Sevilla are all served by regular train services. Spain's highspeed AVE network connects Malaga, Cordoba and Sevilla to Madrid.

Some of the other smaller towns are served by less frequent services, see individual city guides for further details. For more info, see the RENFE website . See[ edit ] Moorish architecture in Granada , including the Alhambra Lake Negratin is situated at the foothills of Mount Jabalcón. As one of Europes largest lakes, it really is worth seeing not least for the most magnificent lunar-landscape that surrounds it. I would liken the rock formations and the colours it produces during different times of the day to those of the Grand Canyon. There is a manmade beach where you can laze the day away, a number of restaurants dotted round the lake and on a nice day you can swim or take out a pedalo boat, which might lead you to pink flamingos and various other wildlife. Seron is nestled on the lower slopes of the Sierra de los Filabres and is a picturesque town that cascades down the hillside. Dominated by its Castle, which sits at the very top, Seron is famous for its ham and provides a more traditional experience of Andalusian life.

It is a beautiful location to start your exploration of the Filabres, or visit at the right time of year and you might find yourself submerged in a vibrant fiesta. Las Menas, an old mining village abandoned thirty years ago, makes an interesting stop in the Sierra de los Filabres. You can investigate old ruins crumbling amidst the most breathtaking countryside, stop for coffee and cake at the hotel and even camp for the night. Do[ edit ] Andaventur Granada Adventure Company . Outdoor sports in the Sierra Nevada National park and Granada province, Tandem paraglider flights, Canyoning, Hiking, Ski, Rock Climbing, Horse riding.

Costa del Sol - Costa del Sol Malaga Spain Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Travel and Tours - Travel and Tours Malaga Spain Costa del Sol Guide - Malaga - Spain Weather in Malaga and on Costa del Sol: Weather forecast and temperatures for Malaga on Costa del Sol today: Click HERE >> Market days on Costa del Sol: Click HERE >> Golf Courses Costa del Sol: Click HERE >> Climate and weather on Costa del Sol: Click HERE >> Property Costa del Sol - Real Estate Malaga and Costa del Sol: Click HERE >> Malaga City on Costa del Sol and the Province of Malaga Malaga : Capital of the Costa del Sol. With more than 600,000 inhabitants Malaga is known by the well-deserved qualification of "Southern Europeï¿½s Capital" and world famous as Costa del Golf. Malaga is located less than two hours by road from Seville and five hours from Madrid, Malaga is connected with the most important cities of the world through its international airport. The arrival in Malaga late last year of the high-speed AVE train marked a milestone in the flow of travel to the Costa del Sol.

The province of Malaga covers an area of 7,276 square kilometers and boasts more than 160 kilometers of coastline. Along this fantastic area, you will be able to find everything from ample sandy beaches to the most amazing leisure ports. Although few in number, stunning cliffs are found along the coasts of Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga . Festivals on Costa del Sol - Costa del Sol Festival Guide Costa del Sol and Malaga Festivals - Spanish Festivals in Malaga Climate on Costa del Sol The climate in Malaga: Both Malaga City and the Costa del Sol enjoy mild temperatures during the winter, while the soft breeze from the sea results in near-perfect climate conditions during the summer. The average annual temperature on Costa del Sol is around 18ï¿½ centigrades; registering the highest temperatures in August with approximately 30ï¿½C while the lowest, hovering 12ï¿½C, is recorded during January. With reference to the temperature of the sea, the average during winter is 14,9ï¿½C and during summer, it comes to 21,5ï¿½C.

Costa del Sol enjoys almost all year round a very pleasant and benign climate and on very few occasions, temperatures become unbearable. It is estimated that there is an average of 320 sunny days each year in the province of Malaga . Population on Costa del Sol According to the last census, the population in the province of Malaga on Costa del Sol exceeds 1,500,000 inhabitants. There is a constant demographic growth on Costa del Sol that is directly related to the service sector, mainly tourism. Malaga city , with 630,000 inhabitants is the second largest city in Andalusia, after Seville. In addition there are over 300,000 foreign residents on Costa del Sol, mainly British, German, Dutch and Scandinavian who have chosen Costa del Sol as their second home. Including them, Malaga should be ranked first in total population in the Andalusian region. Foreign Population and Real Estate on Costa del Sol: It is interesting to observe that almost 90 percent of the Real Estate Developments built along Costa del Sol are monopolised by foreign buyers, one third of them being British and the remaining part from other European nations and also many investors from Arabic countries.

Top tourist attractions on Costa del Sol Costa del Sol is a large central tourist area and a point of arrival and at the same time a departure gateway for visitors towards other nearby locations along the coast and the interior of Andalusia. At the same time, the coast of Malaga is clearly divided in two different regions: Eastern Costa del Sol, where the residential tourism is dominant, and Western Costa del Sol, featuring an overwhelming hotel infrastructure. Western Costa del Sol Western Costa del Sol is practically a lineal town stretching from Malaga city to Manilva close to the province of Cadiz . Starting from Malaga city the type of tourism on Western Costa del Sol varies much according to the area: Torremolinos displays a diversified hotel offer, being the most important of the region regarding the number of beds; Benalmï¿½dena , featuring a highly developed coastline; Fuengirola , registering a preponderance of middle class and family tourism, while we find a vigorous presence of elite tourism in Mijas Costa , which takes the lead especially in the western part of Marbella .

In Estepona and Manilva, most of the urbanizations follow a similar line to that of Marbella ï¿½s, medium high, although only very few reach the Costa del Solï¿½s highest standard that is found on Marbella ï¿½s world-famous Golden Mile between Marbella town and Puerto Banus. Western Costa del Sol is very popular among property buyers looking for a second home in Spain and the area where the Spanish Real Estate market is most active, specially on The Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus. Eastern Costa del Sol Eastern Costa del Sol: The tourist offer of the Eastern Costa del Sol is still very different from western Costa del Sol. The main attractions on Eastern Costa del Sol are extensive beaches, more open and less crowded, and the permanency of intense fishing and agricultural activities. On Eastern Costa del Sol, tourism also varies as the distance from Malaga increases. The first tourist resort is Rincon de la Victoria with a three kilometers long beach refreshed by the blue Mediterranean sea. From here, you can drive up to Macharaviaya, a typical and very picturesque Andalusian village.

The next resort is Torre del Mar, the coastal strip of Velez-Malaga, with four kilometers of sandy beaches. Algarrobo, a village that has preserved its historic Arabic style, is not far away. Torrox, also featuring its traditional design, is one of the villages on Costa del Sol that has registered the major progress in the area. The last stop along the eastern coast in Malaga is Nerja . In Nerja the top tourist attraction is an enormous cave and its impressive watchtower overlooking the Mediterranean sea known as ï¿½The Balcony of Europeï¿½. Read and learn about the Costa del Sol: Click on your destination! Read more about Costa del Sol: Guides to Costa del Sol Malaga Top 10 Malaga – worldbestplaces WordPress.org Top 10 Malaga Malaga is Andalucía’s second largest city after Seville and the primary tourist hub in Costa del Sol, with millions of people arriving at the International airport annually. It is an amazing place to visit with plenty of cultural sites, wonderful beaches, excellent golf courses and a variety of other attractions both for children and grownups.

Perhaps the best known site of the city is the astonishing Moorish palace of Alcazaba situated on top of a hill and offering amazing views over the city and the Mediterranean sea. Other key attractions include the magnificent Renaissance Cathedral of Malaga and the Picasso Museum with a collection of over 150 of the artist paintings. For golf enthusiast, Malaga is the place to be. The region, often dubbed as the “The Costa de Golf” offers some of the world’s best 18 hole courses, some with amazing views of the coast. It is also a perfect place for kids offering various attractions from theme parks and safaris to go-carting centres, in and around the city. Malaga remains one of Spain’s top destinations because of the proximity of its international airport, the quality of its beaches, world class golf courses, exciting theme parks and a variety of historical and cultural sites. Malaga Beach Castillo and Alcazaba The Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba of Malaga is a Moorish castle and its fortifications sitting on a hill in the heart of the city. It was built in the 11th century by King Badis, the ruler of Granada.

Today those two attractions represent the key landmark of Malaga and offer spectacular views of the city and the port. Malaga cathedral The Malaga cathedral is another key attraction of the city. Located in the heart of the old town, within the ancient limits of the old Arab walls and not far of the Alcazaba. It was built in a Renaissance style by Diego de Siloe between 1528 and 1782. Picasso Museum As the city where one of the most famous Spanish artist was born, one of Malaga’s key cultural attraction is the Picasso Museum. It first opened its doors in 2003 at the Buenavista Palace, with some 155 works donated by members of the Picasso’s family. The museum has today some exclusive paintings and exhibitions, and is also committed to support Malaga’s cultural life. The Roman Theatre The Roman Theatre located next to the Alcazaba Palace entrance is definitely an exceptional site worth discovering in Malaga. It dates back to the the Roman times to the 1st century BC, but strangely was only rediscovered in 1951.

It has a radius of 31 meters and height of 19 meters, and is currently being carefully restored, to become a key element in Malaga’s Roman heritage. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo or CAC is Malaga’s museum of modern art and the most visited museum in Andalusia. It is located on the right bank of the Guadalmedina river, in a former wholesale trade market and designed by Spanish architect Luis Gutiérrez Soto. It opened in 2003 and with some 6,000 square meters of space offers an impressive collection of works of art and installations. It has become one of the leading Spanish and European art centre of the twenty first century, intended as a place of reflection on contemporary art. Carmen Thyssen Museum The Carmen Thyssen Museum recently opened in 2011 in the Calle Compañía, one of Malaga’s central pedestrian area. It is located in a beautiful building purposely renovated with modern architecture, creating a unitary whole and harmonious place to display the artefacts. It offers an excellent collection of both 19th and 20th Century Spanish paintings.

La Concepción garden La Concepción is Malaga’s famous botanical and historical garden. It was firs created by the Marquis and Marchioness of Loring in 1855 and later extended by the Echevarria-Echevarrieta family. The garden offers a splendid open-air collection of both tropical and subtropical flora, including a variety of plant species from Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It is today own by the city of Malaga and recognised as site of Cultural Interest. Plaza de Toros Malaga’s Plaza de Toros, La Malagueta is one of Spain’s most famous bullring. It is located in the Paseo de Reding in the heart of the city and can hold up to 14,000 persons. It was built in a Neo-Mudéjar style by Joaquín Rucoba in 1874. The bullring is also home to the Antonio Ordoñez Bullfighting Museum where various objects can be found including the “suits of light” matadors outfits and various photographs and posters.

Museo de Malaga The Museo de Malaga located in the heart of town, offers an impressive collection of art and archaeology items. It was created in 1973, combining the Provincial Museum of Fine Arts and the Provincial Archeological Museum. The building is today still divided into two sections corresponding to the older museums. The Fine Arts collection has more than 2,000 pieces such as the Anatomia del Corazon (Heart’s Anatomy, 1890) from Enrique Simonet. As for the Archaeology collection it displays some 15,000 historic items including a very well preserved Hercules mask dating back to the 1st century. Malaga Beaches Malaga is not only an excellent cultural destination but also a perfect place for a more laid back type of holiday. Indeed the city and the surrounding areas are packed with lovely beaches, being an ideal place for relaxation and sunbathing. The closest beach to Malaga’s city centre is La Malagueta, located just south of the Castle. More quieter beaches can be find further east of town.

Flights to Malaga The most convenient way to get to the Malaga and the Costa del Sol is through Malaga’s international airport from many of the major European destinations. Check out the best car rental deals in Malaga, Spain. Top 10 Malaga hotels The following are some of the best 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels in Malaga as voted by the users. To view the full list of available hotels and apartments on specific dates, you may visit our partner site Agoda Malaga smarter Hotel Booking . Salles Malaga Centro Hotel Calle Mármoles, 6 Malaga, Spain, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29007 – 4 Stars This is a suitable accommodation for both business and leisure travellers as it is located in the centre of the city’s commercial and business district. Guests enjoy stylish and modern decor throughout the hotel and guestrooms. Dining at the Guernica Restaurant is quite an event as it specializes in seasonal themes and local cuisines. Sightseeing and navigating the city is made easy as the hotel provides tour and taxi services. After a busy day of roaming around the city and exploration, enjoy a massage therapy session back at the hotel.

The outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna all promise a relaxing and enjoyable stay at the Salles Malaga Centro Hotel. Vincci Selección Posada del Patio Pasillo de Santo Isabel, 12, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29005 – 5 Stars The Vincci Selección Posada del Patio Hotel is the first and only 5 star hotel in Malaga. Within walking distance are some of the city’s most popular sites, including the Cathedral and the Picasso and Thyssen Museums. Contemporary accommodations along with modern conveniences such as in-room Internet access and LCD screen television are standard at this elegant Spanish hotel. Guests at the Vincci Selecccion Posada del Patio Hotel can sample the delectable cuisine in the restaurant or sip on a refreshing cocktail in the bar. Also on offer for guests is a library for those quiet days in and an outdoor swimming pool. Set in the historical heart of Malaga, this luxury hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

Molina Lario Hotel Molina Raro 20-22, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29015 – 4 Stars The Molina Lario Hotel is located in the city’s prime commercial and cultural centre, close to the Cathedral of Malaga and just a few minutes from the Port, the Picasso Museum, as well as numerous restaurants and stores. There are 103 rooms in all, as well as a number of facilities including meeting rooms, a restaurant and an outdoor pool. With a full range of popular amenities and an emblematic nineteenth century design, it’s no wonder guests keep returning to the Molina Lario Hotel. TRYP Malaga Alameda Hotel Centro Comercial Larios. Avda. de la Aurora, s/n, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29002- 4 Stars With an ideal location, staying here makes it extremely convenient to discover Malaga. Located within a shopping centre, you are never too far from shops, restaurants and bars. Additionally, the hotel is just one kilometre from the Malaga Cathedral and the city centre, and with the train station within walking distance.

Art lovers should not miss the nearby Picasso Museum as the artist was born in Malaga in 1881. The hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the property, making it convenient to stay connected with friends and family back home or to conduct business. Discover this Mediterranean city from the comfort of TRYP Malaga Alameda Hotel. Room Mate Lola Hotel Street Casas de Campos, 17, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29001 – 4 Stars This gorgeous and contemporary boutique hotel is the ideal base for visitors looking to explore Malaga. The hotel is within walking distance of the centre of town and the cathedral, and the Picasso Museum is just a kilometre away. The beautiful seaside resort of Torremolinos is 12 kilometres away. The hotel’s sleek and minimalist design will appeal to the modern traveller and rooms are well equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access, making it convenient for both business and leisure travellers. The concierge is knowledgeable and able to book tickets, suggest tours and make restaurant recommendations. There are plenty of dining options in the area and guests are in the middle of all the best that this Spanish city has to offer when staying at the Room Mate Lola in Malaga.

Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel Atarazanas, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain – 3 Stars Some of the features you’ll enjoy are desk, ironing board, hair dryer. For the comfort and convenience of guests, you’ll also find laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, meeting facilities on-site. Unwind after your day with a choice of golf course (on site) – just a few of the hotel’s excellent sporting and leisure offerings. The hotel blends expert service with state-of-the-art facilities to provide guests with a memorable stay. Our secure online booking form makes reserving your room at Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel Malaga simple – just fill in your desired dates and click. Parador Gibralfaro Hotel Castillo de Gibralfaro S/N, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain – 4 Star A very distinctive and uniquely built stone building, the Parador Gibralfaro Hotel is pleasantly surrounded by greenery and pine trees. The fresh air, coupled with a good location at the centre of Gibralfaro Mount, blends with the ambiance and tranquillity found at the nearby Gibralfaro Castle.

The hotel dramatically rises up to face the Alcazaba Citadel as well. The panoramic views over the city of Malaga and the Bay are breathtaking from every angle. The location is just 10 kilometres from the city airport and three kilometres from the railway station, making it very accessible and convenient for travellers. On top of the state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, the hotel serves different local delicacies in the onsite restaurant. Hotel Ms Maestranza Malaga Avda. Canovas del Castillo, 1, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain – 4 Star Overlooking a stunning city view, the 12-floor Hotel MS Maestranza is the best place to get the feel Malaga. Friendly and multilingual staff help make the atmosphere warmer, safer and more secure no matter what country a visitor comes from. The management also provides town car and limousine for guests who want to go around the city. The 90 guestrooms are equipped with modern facilities with a touch of contemporary and classical decoration. There are Picasso prints hanging in walls and polished wooden floors and in-room amenities include designer toiletries, Wi-Fi internet access, direct dial telephones and cable TV.

Monte Malaga Hotel Paseo Maritimo Antonio Machado 10, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29002 – 4 Star This is a family friendly accommodation conveniently located in the centre of town and surrounded by popular tourist attractions. Guests are treated to modern amenities and contemporary decor inside each of the guest rooms. The hotel’s El Puerto restaurant specializes in show-cooking, buffet breakfasts and a variety of local dishes. The Monte Malaga Hotel’s position in the city provides guests with quick and easy access to popular attractions such as Picasso Museum, Fortress and Gibralfaro Castle and the Malaga Cathedral. The pool and terrace are spacious and perfect for long days relaxing in the sun. Business travellers of the hotel will enjoy the large conference facilities that can hold up to 450 occupants. Room Mate Larios Hotel Street Marques de Larios 2, Malaga City Center, Malaga, Spain 29005 – 4 Star This international class hotel, situated on Marques De Larios, is located in the centre of Malaga. The hotel is nestled within a close proximity of restaurants, shops and traditional pubs. The hotel is uniquely positioned for easy exploration of this beautiful area.

The hotel features 41 elegant rooms adorned with modern appointments and a creative Art Deco style that combines Spanish and regional art. The hotel features an onsite restaurant that serves delectable Spanish and regional cuisine. The Room Mate Larios Hotel is perfect for guests that want a prime location within easy access to cultural sites. pets The Small Shepherd’s House: Living room with fireplace and kitchen. 3 bedrooms with three bathrooms. Group Activities & Facilities On-Site or Locally Padel Court, Walking, Climbing, Canoeing, , Horse Riding, Karting, Mountain Biking, Surfing, Swimming, Windsurfing, Paragliding.. Cortijo Montero (A typical Andalusian country house), in the heart of Andalusia is an ideal place to spend time with family and friends. The Cortijo was originally built in the 18th century. It was restored in 1990, and divided into three independent houses. The Cortijo received awards for its unique traditional style by the local Malaga council. There are several sports facilities: swimming pool, paddle, table tennis and football pitch. The three houses have beautiful gardens with eucalyptus, pine trees & cypresses.

The Cortijo is surrounded by over 260 hectares of farm land. There are over 100 hectares of forests and plantations of wheat, barley and sunflowers, as well as almond and olive trees. There are various footpaths to enjoy the surrounding beauty. The Cortijo is in the perfect location: 8km from the nearest town (Campillos), which means clean air, peace & quiet and intimacy. Campillos is an active commercial town with all basic services (supermarkets, health centre, restaurants, workshops). There is easy access to major tourist cities in Andalusia (Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Malaga-Costa del Sol). The closest airport is in Malaga (72km). The AVE (Spanish High speed train) station is 20 km away. The three houses of the Cortijo are the Manor House, the Arabian House and the Small Shepherd’s House. The Manor House is the noble part of the Cortijo and consists of a porch, two floors and a beautiful courtyard. Ground floor: Entrance and toilet. Large kitchen-dining room, both with fireplaces. It also has a large living room for 30 people, also with a fireplace.

First floor: 6 bedrooms (2 of 3 beds, 4 of 2), ,together with a large balcony. The rest outdoors is covered in Spring and Summer with vines. Arabian House consists porch. Large living room with fireplace and beautiful old arches with 17th Century columns. Kitchen, 3 bedrooms. . The Small Shepherd’s House: Living room with fireplace and kitchen. 3 bedrooms with three bathrooms. Group Activities & Facilities On-Site or Locally Tennis Court, Padel Court, Walking, Climbing, Canoeing, , Horse Riding, Karting, Mountain Biking, Surfing, Swimming, Windsurfing, Paragliding.. More details Andalucía Guide | Spain Travel | Rough Guides Europe » Spain » Andalucía The popular image of Spain as a land of bullfights, flamenco, sherry and ruined castles derives from Andalucía, the southernmost territory and the most quintessentially Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula. Above all, it’s the great Moorish monuments that compete for your attention here.

The Moors, a mixed race of Berbers and Arabs who crossed into Spain from Morocco and North Africa, occupied al-Andalus for over seven centuries. Their first forces landed at Tarifa in 710 AD, and within four years they had conquered virtually the entire country; their last kingdom, Granada, fell to the Christian Reconquest in 1492. Between these dates, they developed the most sophisticated civilization of the Middle Ages, centred in turn on the three major cities of Córdoba, Seville and Granada. Each one preserves extraordinarily brilliant and beautiful monuments, of which the most perfect is Granada ’s Alhambra palace, arguably the most sensual building in all of Europe. Seville , not to be outdone, has a fabulously ornamented Alcázar and the grandest of all Gothic cathedrals. Today, Andalucía’s capital and seat of the region’s autonomous parliament is a vibrant contemporary metropolis that’s impossible to resist. Córdoba ’s exquisite Mezquita, the grandest and most beautiful mosque constructed by the Moors, is a landmark building in world architecture and not to be missed.

These three cities have, of course, become major tourist destinations, but it’s also worth leaving the tourist trail and visiting some of the smaller inland towns of Andalucía. Renaissance towns such as Úbeda , Baeza and Osuna , Moorish Carmona and the stark white hill-towns around Ronda are all easily accessible by local buses. Travelling for some time here, you’ll get a feel for the landscape of Andalucía: occasionally spectacularly beautiful but more often impressive on a huge, unyielding scale. The region also takes in mountains – including the Sierra Nevada , Spain’s highest range. You can often ski here in March, and then drive down to the coast to swim the same day. Perhaps more compelling, though, are the opportunities for walking in the lower slopes, Las Alpujarras . Alternatively, there’s good trekking among the gentler (and much less known) hills of the Sierra Morena , north of Seville. On the coast, it’s easy to despair. Extending to either side of Málaga is the Costa del Sol , Europe’s most heavily developed resort area, with its poor beaches hidden behind a remorseless density of concrete hotels and apartment complexes.

However, the region offers two alternatives, much less developed and with some of the best beaches in all Spain. These are the villages between Tarifa and Cádiz on the Atlantic, and those around Almería on the southeast corner of the Mediterranean. The latter allow warm swimming in all but the winter months; those near Cádiz, more easily accessible, are fine from about June to September. Near Cádiz, too, is Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana , Spain’s largest and most important nature reserve, which is home to a spectacular range of flora and fauna. The realities of life in contemporary Andalucía can be stark. Unemployment in the region is the highest in Spain – over twenty percent in some areas – and a large proportion of the population still scrapes a living from seasonal agricultural work. The andaluz villages, bastions of anarchist and socialist groups before and during the Civil War, saw little economic aid or change during the Franco years, and although much government spending has been channelled into improving infrastructure such as hospitals and road and rail links, the lack of employment opportunities away from the coastal tourist zones persists.

For all its poverty, however, Andalucía is also Spain at its most exuberant – those wild and extravagant clichés of the Spanish south really do exist and can be absorbed at one of the hundreds of annual fiestas, ferias and romerías. Andalucía Tourism in Málaga in Andalusia, Spain | spain.info in english Read more Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans… over 2,000 years ago the most important Mediterranean civilisations found in Malaga an exceptional place in which to establish trade routes, thanks to the strategic location of its port. The Alcazaba (8-11th century) is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. This building is today the site of the Archaeological Museum, containing valuable pieces dating from Phoenician and Roman times. The Gibralfaro castle (14th century) is linked to the Alcazaba by a section of wall and offers outstanding views over the city, which is open to the sea through its port and the La Farola seafront promenade, one of the city's main leisure areas.

At the foot of the Gibralfaro stands the Roman theatre, the bullring, (known as La Malagueta) and the historic quarter of the city. In the centre stands the Cathedral (16-18th century), also known as 'La Manquita' ('the one-armed') thanks to its unfinished right tower. This beautiful Renaissance building is home to an interesting series of chapels containing fine examples of Andalusian imagery. In the old part of town there are other interesting churches such as the churches of Santiago 15-18th century), with its beautiful Mudéjar tower, Los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de la Salud. Historic Malaga offers a whole host of typical sites and corners. These include the façade of the Town Hall, dating from the early 20th century, and the Plaza de la Merced square, presided by the monument to Torrijos and the site of the house in which the famous painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born.

A walk around the old quarter has to include the busy streets of Pasaje de Chinitas and Calle Granada, the site of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Calle Larios, the main thoroughfare in the historic centre. The capital of Malaga also has numerous green areas such as the park, the Alameda Principal avenue, and the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso. Fiestas and the surrounding area A good time to visit Malaga is during Easter week. This festivity, declared in Malaga to be of International Tourist Interest, features spectacular religious floats known as 'pasos' and displays of popular devotion in every part of town. One of the best accommodation options in the capital of Malaga is the Malaga Gibralfaro Parador hotel, located beside the castle. However it is essential to reserve your accommodation well in advance during these dates. The area around Malaga reveals a province marked by extreme contrasts between its inland villages and the coast. The Costa del Sol is dotted with towns and villages with a long-standing tourist tradition such as Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.

The coast is also the site of distinctive hotels such as the Malaga Golf Parador and the Nerja Parador.

Question: After Seville, which tourist resort on the Costa Del Sol is the next largest city in the Spanish autonomous region of Andalusia?
Answer: MALAGA